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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Columbus to Allentown. Traveling by train from Columbus to Allentown usually takes 17 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 17 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 398 mi (641 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 45m |
| Lowest price | $123.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Columbus to Allentown?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbus to Allentown. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 17h 55m | $130.00 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Allentown every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $123.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbus and Allentown is approximately 398 miles, or 641 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 45 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Columbus to Allentown are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Columbus at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Columbus twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Allentown to Columbus.
City Information
Columbus
Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.
As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.
Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.
Allentown
Allentown, aka the Queen City, holds historical significance in Pennsylvania. The Liberty Bell is the biggest attraction in town, with travelers coming from across the country to see the famous bell patriots successfully hid during the American Revolution. If you're in tune with art or monumental buildings, the city's museum has over 17,000 works of art that hold the history of the people that lived there.
On a more adventurous note, there is the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, known best for Karting, where you can get your fix at over 40 miles an hour on the quarter-mile track. It has a league of racers that are devoted to becoming the top Karters in the city. Get behind the wheel to give them some competition- or sit back with a drink to watch the races. Looking for a nightlife experience? There are plenty of nightclubs, lounges, and restaurants to keep the party going after dark.
Allentown has a variety of bus companies providing intercity transport, including Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Martz. Amtrak also provides service from major cities like New Orleans, Newark, and Dallas. Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton (ABE) station is about 4 miles out from the city, which makes it easy to catch a quick bus or train anywhere.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbus?
Image credit: Antony-22
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Columbus Bus Station
The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.
All train stations in Columbus:
Columbus Bus Station
Where is the train station in Allentown?
Main arrival station: Allentown Transportation Center
Allentown has one train station.
All train stations in Allentown:
Allentown Transportation Center
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